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I think you were one of the lucky ones. Ive also taken all my protein, vitamins, ate what i was supposed to etc and my hair is still falling out. Doesnt matter how we eat, it is just a natural thing that happens after losing so much weight so quickly. Happens to many but not all of us. It was also one of the best decisions ive made even though my hair is falling out. Ive lost 65lbs in 5 months and loving every minute of it! I feel (and look) so much better! Hair grows back. I feel better than i have in many years!

First, congratulations! It was the best decision of my entire life and 3 months after the surgery I can say, it will ALWAYS be the best decision of my life. I believe it will be one of the best decisions you made. I colored my hair after couple of months, I had no problem. I did not loose hair, although I was expecting it. I believe I did not loose hair even though I lost 51 pounds in 3 months, because I always eat the right amount of protein and also took a biotin supplement in addition to Calcium, Iron and multivitamins. I am happy, energetic and blessed. All my blood tests came back PERFECT! No high bad cholesterol, no high triglycerides, and after 15 years of being a diabetic and juggling metformiin and insulin, I am no longer a diabetic. My last A1C was 5.5 which places me in the normal range, I am not even a prediabetic. I was so scared of the gastric bypass that I considered not getting the surgery up to the time they rolled me in the operating room. I really hated my liquid diet and was in tremendous pain after the surgery because I had a hiatal hernia repair surgery at the same time with the gastric bypass. I cannot believe that there are only 3 months and 10 days since my surgery! So, while there are scary stories out there and the journey is not easy, please know that each individual is unique, and trust that your story will be one of success as mine is! One doctor told me couple of years ago that getting a gastric bypass was the best decision of his life. I can say the same about me and wish for you the same!

Nothing stopping you from eating ‘non breakfast foods’ for breakfast if you’re tired of eggs. For example 3ozs of most meats contain more than 20g of protein - you could have some chicken for breakfast, salmon, etc. Find a high protein yoghurt (mine has 20g - it’s an Australian brand). A serve of rolled oats, milk & seeds can give you 15g. Make a smoothie. Try some other egg recipes not just poached, fried or scrambled: egg muffins, omelettes, frittatas, etc. Add some unflavoured protein powder to your pancake mix, porridge, smoothie, coffee, etc. for an extra boost. Here are a couple of high protein breakfast ideas. You may have to adjust them based on what you are allowed to eat. Ask your dietician for some high protein meal ideas too. https://www.health.com/25-high-protein-breakfast-ideas-to-keep-you-full-7566320

I just started my pre-op diet today. I'm very fortunate and feeling very thankful that in addition to liquids, I get to eat 7 ounces of protein a day. Two weeks to go until my surgery.

Thank you both! During my pre-op appointment, my surgeon told me I needed to utilize a protein that contained the vitamins/minerals for at least the first week after surgery, as you can’t take a multivitamin (probably meant eating them?). I didn’t think to ask if I could just take a liquid vitamin. Probably a stupid question, I just really don’t want to mess anything up. I will likely just call to confirm . Thanks again!

@volfanLol @ family member maybe my body is holding on to as much as possible for as long as possible. don’t do protein shakes or powder. Just protein water mixed with my regular water 250ml of protein water and 250ml of vitamin water to 2liters of water. Yes I run through that a day I cook all my foods rarely eat out. And rarely mix and match my meals. for instance if I am eating fish I would eat either just fish or fish and lettuce nothing added or removed. Per meal isn’t a lot maybe 4-5oz total calories I consume a day according to fitness pal is roughly 600 on a very bad day or 1000 on a day I take loads of carbs

I would want to look closely at this, verifying the bile reflux and determining if there is any acid reflux component to this before getting into long term treatment options as the treatment can differ widely depending upon that diagnosis. If it is bile, then I wouldn't expect Pepcid or other anti acid meds to do much as the are treating acid and not bile, a base. I'm not sure what meds they do use but likely different ones. Bile is used to neutralize the acid coming out of the stomach along with the digested food into the intestines. Is your surgeon in the loop on these findings (I assume so, but check if you haven't heard from them yet,) as that may change his prescriptions. If it is strictly a bile problem, then a bypass will probably correct it, but not guaranteed as it moves the stomach/pouch outlet downstream into the natural path of bile secretions; the key, according to one surgeon I discussed this with, is the length of the roux limb, as that is the one that connects the pouch with the mainstream intestine and how far any bile would have to travel to reflux into the stomach. This doc noted that at 80cm or greater (IIRC) he didn't run into any bile reflux problems. The basic RNY procedure has been around for some 140 years for gastric cancer and gastroparesis (it is usually termed just a partial gastrectomy, or likely some other fancy latin names as well,) and it that use, bile reflux is a not uncommon complication. My non-MD take on it is that in those cases, they tend to keep the limbs short to minimize malabsorption and weight loss (last thing a cancer patient usually needs is more weight loss!) So, the longer limb makes sense here. Discuss this and make sure that your surgeon is up on this aspect of it. The other option if it is basically a bile problem is the DS, duodenal switch, which is pretty much a guaranteed cure for any bile problems owing to the very long path between the bile ducts and the stomach, but relatively few bariatric surgeons offer it owing to its greater complexity. Note this only applies to the "traditional" or Hess DS and not the newer SIPS/SADI/"loop" or simplified DS, which like its mini-bypass cousin has bile reflux as one of its common complications. The DS will not help any acid reflux problem as it uses the existing sleeve (though may resleeve it if it was malformed causing GERD rather than just overproduction of acid,) while adding the intestinal rerouting for malabsorption. The DS is a better choice over the RNY revision if slow or inadequate weightloss is an issue, too, as it is a stronger metabolic tool. Good luck on this - bile is surely a much less common problem with the sleeve than acid reflux, so the industry isn't quite as settled on solutions for it.

@SleeveToBypass2023 workout routing is 4-5 Times a week. 1:30hours cardio one day and 1:20 hours cardio for 3 days (40mins jogging 20mins hill walk 20mins elliptical) 5th day is more strength training and it’s up to 10 variations with 20mins cardio strength training mostly arms back core and I do a variation of 6-8 different upper body and core 4-5 sets of each variation 10-15 reps minimum weight is 15kg. had always been doing weight training when I got the all clear a month after surgery until 3months ago when I started elliptical on,y calories I drink is my protein water. Which isn’t up to 500ml per day. Along with 2.5-3liters of water 1 liter is usually covered during workout I noticed I don’t eat up to 21oz of food through the day mostly protein

I have noticed the same thing. I’m about 6 months out from my sleeve op and can eat about half of what I previously could (which to be fair was a lot!) My weight loss has stalled and I know it’s because of the type and amount of food I eat. I saw my doctor recently and they recommended getting back to basics and focusing on protein and water intake to get back on track. They didn’t seem concerned about the pouch stretching. Good luck with your continued weight loss!

I use Vital Proteins ( currently on sale in Costco ). I mainly add it to my morning coffee - typically a protein coffee as it is. I have used it for years prior to surgery and I continue to use it. As others have said, nothing can stop the hair shed - I am still shedding at 5 months, but a tiny bit less than when it started at 3 months. However I know the collagen will help new hair growth. I take a bit of extra biotin - more than just my bariatric multi - and keep up my protein intake. I use a Biotin & Collagen shampoo and conditioner - though I know that won't truly help, lol. It's a mental thing and it was on sale at Marshall's. At worst, my hair is still clean, lol. I take the collagen more so for joints and skin since as we get older our collagen depletes. It takes a few months to even really notice any differences so it is something you have to stay consistent with.

It's completely normal to see a stall at any point, but yes the notorious 3 week stall can strike anywhere at around that timeframe. It's not anything that you've actually done. At this point it's almost impossible any of us has the capacity to gain real weight. Your body is still healing. I also have some trouble still at 5 months post getting in my water goals. Remember that all other liquids can count towards that goal - soups, protein water etc. Just keep trying your best day by day. Remember the scale isn't the only measure of our successes (though it is the biggest tether we have). Forget the scale for a bit and keep working your program. The drop will happen.

Have you tried the Fairlife Core Power or even the Nutrition Plan shakes? I prefer them over most protein shakes because it has the least aftertaste and is mainly actual milk based. Taste to me like chocolate milk or a melted vanilla ice cream cone. I know many love the Isopure Unflavored Protein powder - i was unfortunately not a fan and obvi not for the sweetener as it does not have any - but the milk powder almost infant formula taste wasn't it for me. I think I'm in the minority lol, so you should be fine.

Yes, very common, and here is one of the factors - In the middle of the video he goes over the typical progression of meal volume that we can expect, and it is consistent with my experience. I you simply let things happen and eat the same way we did the first year, but more, then there will certainly be the tendency to gain. While I'm not a big fan of everything this guy preaches (or any online guru, for that matter,) one of the things that I do like is his "eat your vegetables first" concept, which he applies after the first few months of protein first. My general evolution was to increase the veg content of my meals over time, rather than the protein, as the protein that we are advised to consume early on is usually our basic requirement, as we can't get that from pills like we can most micronutrients. So, I still have about 3 oz of meat in a meal today like I did the first year, but a lot more veg in there. And, it's still something of a struggle because the junk still wants to creep back in there stimulating old habits (we usually spent a lot more time getting fat, and getting used to it, than we have trying to be healthy now!) With a sleeve, or a bypass, at this point it is basic dieting/healthy balanced eating that we are all familiar with; it is somewhat easier than before as our volume rarely returns to where is was pre-op, but our old bad habits sure can come back.

Wow… so I’m not alone. Same here, nausea seems to be worse lately. Yeh I can only really eat dry biscuits without nausea, maybe some baked beans… but 90% of things cause me nausea. I don’t see how I’ll ever make my daily protein goals. Just seems impossible. water makes me puke too! i really hope it won’t be like this forever? I am 3 months post op exactly. Shouldn’t we be ‘Healed’?!?!

Hey all, Yes I have a thyroid problem and the doctors already know. I've been on thyroid medication since 2016. The team did blood work and said it was a little high but not enough to change my dosage. She saw my hair and she recommended taking a collagen supplement. I like the taste of the Spring Valley collagen + Biotin sugar free liquid supplement (sorry I didn't mention it was a liquid or that it was together). I'm also 7 months post op. The hair shedding has slowed down a lot at this point. I really do feel a difference in my hair. It feels softer. I've always had fine hair. It's just since I had surgery, it looks super thin on the top of my head on the left side of my part and only really can be seen if I put my hair up in a bun or pony. Makes me feel a little self conscious. But I do know it'll go back to normal eventually or at least I hope lol. I want to start using the vital proteins collagen powder. And get a new protein powder. Have one of each per day. I definitely lack protein and I know that's a huge factor. For the past few months it's been difficult deciding on what to eat with protein that isn't eggs. I have found a pancake mix with 15g of protein in it and it's actually the best protein pancake mix I've found, but I don't want pancakes every day. I get sick of things quick now since I've had the surgery.

First, great job on the weight-loss. I've noticed I can eat more and I'm starting to get my appetite back. It's so important to follow the plan... get in your protein (and some extra if needed). I aim for 3 oz per meal or about 80+ grams per day. Keep it lean- chicken, fish, shell fish, and plant protein. Make sure you're getting your veggies in. Cut up a veggie tray for the week and enjoy with a tablespoon of hummus or guac. Low fat cheese and yogurt. Keep measuring your food. It's so easy to overeat. Fluids are really important to stay on top of. Another thing that helps is to stay busy and keep your mind off food when you're bored. Exercise is also helpful to boost your mood and metabolism. Just be careful of the after workout munchies. It's totally a thing for me. A once on awhile treat is important too. My nutritionist said that if we always deprive ourselves, we'll regress back to old eating habits. So, for example, I love onion rings. And we we go to dinner that my husband orders them, I'll have one... or whatever I may be craving. Small amounts of something special once a week is totally within the plan. Everything they taught you before surgery is for life. Focus on not deviating from that too much.

Something that worked for me was to raise the amount of protein intake, and work hard to limit the amount of saturated/trans fat. I went from one protein shake a day to 3-4 protein shakes. Luckily, there are so many wonderful flavors out there.

Hi! I had vsg 8.15 and have lost 24 lbs. This am I seem to be up 3 lbs. Not off course. Still eating pureed. Cals are between 6 and 700. I meet protein daily but water is tough. I usually get 52 ounces vs 64. I eat 3 meals daily plus 1 snack of string cheese. I still have some muscle discomfort in tummy area but find I'm emotional a lot. Dr is happy w progress but I'm super upset with stall or gain when I'm not even eating or drinking off program. Any thoughts?

Yeah... the nausea has actually gotten worse lately for me. I'm on strictly soft foods still (scrambled eggs, cream of rice, etc) or really crunchy foods that grind up in my mouth like these almond flour cheese crackers (they've got a decent amount of protein for a "carb-like" snack) or ultra dry toast with some sugar free jam, or the baby/toddler animal crackers from Gerber. I made the "mistake" of eating a hard boiled egg this morning and even though I chewed it well, it did NOT sit well at all. Deli meats do the same thing. Anything with texture or density to it makes me feel like it needs to come back out. And plain water still comes right back out IMMEDIATELY. But if there's sugar substitute and some color and flavor, my body accepts it. I've been drinking freshen up energy because it's sugar free and is a clean energy without all the bad stuff in it. Just the equivalent of a single cup of coffee and some B vitamins. And I like the way it tastes so I definitely am doing better at meeting my fluid goals, which was a struggle before. Struggling to get my multivitamins in as taking pills sucks. And I've been getting heartburn here and there if I forget to take the pantoprazole I was prescribed. But I found some GOOD calcium "chews" at the natural food store - it's literally chocolates instead of the tootsie roll like chews most end up being. I got the dark chocolate because for some reason milk chocolate tastes like poison to me.

If you want/can, make your own protein shakes. There are a bunch of recipes online. Just no chunks or berry seeds in the beginning. They need to be smooth. Getting enough protein is super important in addition to your vitamins.

I never did the puree stage. Just looked and sounded gross to me. I just ate things like fish and softer fruits like canned pears (in water, not syrup), bananas, refried beans with sour cream, avocado, and shredded cheese, lots of soups (my favorite has always been minestrone, so I get the canned Progresso soup), etc... I personally love making my own protein shakes and often still have one for breakfast (not big breakfast fan, but skipping is a no-no). I get Arbonne protein shakes (the coffee one is my favorite) and I add stuff to it to make it acceptable as a meal. Making them myself vs ready made are SO much better to me. Especially now.

You can use whatever protein shakes you want. I used ready made the first 2 weeks, then I bought protein powder from Arbonne and made my own. You can take liquid vitamins as long as they have the same amount of vitamins as bariatric vitamins do. I wasn't told not to take capsules or any kind of pills with the sleeve when I had it, but I WAS told that when I had my revision to bypass. It took a little bit but I'm able to take all my normal pills and supplements like normal now.

Hello! I am scheduled for my sleeve procedure on September 26. I have yet to purchase a meal replacement shake for right after my procedure. My hesitation is the Bariatric Advantage samples I’ve tasted are absolutely disgusting. I love regular protein powder, but these are way too sweet and the flavor is so synthetic tasting to me, it’s hard to get down. I know you’re not supposed to take capsule or chewable vitamins, right after surgery, but am I able to take liquid vitamins and a different protein right after surgery? Thanks for any help!

I am not very picky, but I have ISOPURE unflavored protein powder.

I had a relatively easy time after my surgery but it took me *months* before I met my protein or fluid goals. Keep the faith - if you're there or thereabouts then you'll be absolutely fine. 😍